FARMINGTON — Food insecurity is the focus of the ecumenical service planned for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The community is welcome to remember King at the one-hour service at noon Monday, Jan. 19, at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church.

The annual remembrance is sponsored by the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry.

Each year, FAEM chooses a local justice concern as a focus for the service; this year’s theme is food insecurity. Area food pantry directors will be introduced. The United Way will provide information about when and where to access food pantries and free community meals. 

Speakers will share brief introductions to several local initiatives that help to feed the hungry.

Crystal McBean and Lory Zamboni will talk about Theresa’s Totes, which provides tote bags full of groceries to nine local families each week. 

Chris Magri will speak on behalf of the Old South Justice & Witness/Outreach Committee’s efforts to develop a summer feeding program for children in Farmington this summer. 

The first 2015 Salt & Light Award for community partnership will be presented by FAEM moderator, the Rev. David Smith.

FAEM expects to receive an offering to benefit Theresa’s Totes and the Care & Share Food Closet.

In remembrance of King’s struggle against racism, the congregation will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the service will close with the traditional singing of “We Shall Overcome.”  

Caitlin Zamboni, a student at Mt. Blue Middle School, will sing “Share Your Goodwill.” 

The entire service will reflect the sentiment of King’s statement: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

The Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry is a collaboration of nine area churches that seek to partner with the community to address the needs of their neighbors through four local ministries: Care & Share Food Closet, ECU HEAT, the Warming Center and the Housing Assistance Fund.

Henderson Memorial Baptist Church is at 110 Academy St. All are welcome.

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